965 replies to this topic

[MH81]

Man, that tranny looks like new.
The deck on the other hand...

[larrybl]

Well, I think I hit a stopping point till I can make a trip to Harbor Freight. I got through all the rust and down to the mandrill pulleys, each one has two 3/16 hex screws inset to secure the pulley to the shaft.   .Why I don't know as they are also keyed and secured with 27mm nuts. Anyhow, I was able to remove three of the six set screws, the other three are stripped, or my tool is, hence a trip to HF to purchase a new hex driver set, AND a new drill bit set.

Blades look good.

No complete rust through areas, but will require several tubes of JB to fill the divots.

Outer mandrills are still frozen.  Any suggestions? Replacements may be an option if available, but I may need all three With Pulley's.

Still a few more bolts to cut off.  

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[Dane in PA]

Very nice looking machine. I should be getting a an RT-8 soon.

[MH81]

I've rebuilt a set of those mandrels, the biggest challenge is getting the lower bearings off while fighting the urge to fire up the torch and cut it all up into little pieces.
The decks do a nice job cutting, you will enjoy that rig once you have it back together.

[larrybl]

Giving up on the set screws for now and completed the deck disassembly. Over all the deck metal is in good shape. The belt cover is another story. I may be able to modify the belt cover the same as I did BMP's deck. This still allows for protection for the outer pulley's and makes it easier to clean.

Seeing that Gas is really cheep right now, what are the thoughts on dropping all three mandrels into a bucket with a couple gallons of Gas to soak for a while? (obviously outside). 

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[Sawdust]

Larry I soak my parts & clean them all the time with gas. I figure plus or minus $3.a gallon far less than most solvents. It does a very good job too. Like you mentioned outside for sure & away from any igniters. Looking good.

Edited by Sawdust, November 30, 2014 - 03:21 PM.

[MH81]

I do use gas as a solvent, also.
Like was said, outside and away from ignition sources.

[larrybl]

Good News, Although the deck cover is trash it looks like I can still get one! Also, the mandrills are all spinning free after a gas bath, still have to drill out the set screws.

Here is the email to Stoller Lawn $ Garden Inc.

 

I am searching for a Roper 48" Mower deck cover 634A484. I found your site, and it lists one possibly available. I would be interested in purchasing if so. LarryBl

Dec 2 at 7:41 PM

 

Reply:

Larry, It actually looks like we can get up to 2 of these covers for you. They are $64.54 + a $15.00 shipping

 

Picture file upload seems to be broken.

Edited by larrybl, December 03, 2014 - 06:50 PM.

[KennyP]

Glad you found a cover, Larry! Not a bad price, either!

[larrybl]

Deck cover has been ordered!  I really need to wire brush and sand the deck outside, and it is raining, so I decided to work on the second mandrill with only one stuck set screw. It drilled out nicely, and I don't think I touched the threads so it should re-tap easily. The pulley also came off easily using the bearing puller. I pumped it full of grease to lift the top grease cap off without damaging it. Once I get the center mandrill pulley removed I'll order new bearings and take these to a shop than can press the shafts off.

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[Sawdust]

Congrats on getting it all worked out especially the deck covers. That bearing puller of yours in the last pic is that the one from Harbor Freight. I started to buy that one day but it was slightly on sale & I wanted to use one of their 20% coupons later on it. It had good reviews.

[larrybl]

Yes a HF bearing puller, Not used much, but when you need one it really helps!

[MH81]

Larry, glad you are making headway. Wise move finding a place to press the bearings off.

[larrybl]

I think I need a bigger bearing puller for the center mandrill, Pulley isn't budging, and I am sure I have the set screws drilled out. May stop at HF tomorrow and see what they have. The deck cover arrived today... Great shape, wrong color, that can be fixed. also picked up some shop supplies. Taking the Grandson to a Dinosaur exhibit tomorrow.  

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[larrybl]

Well instead of a bigger puller, ,I opted for the correct puller, but it still isn't budging. I guess the some of the set screws are still in there. I'll need to get a bigger drill bit to try and get all of the screw out. in the meantime I am working on filling in the rust divots on the deck. This in 2 packs of JB. Once I sand this down, I'll do a touch up, and sand again. I may even re-do the frame. I would like the "Old Girl" to look like She just came off the factory floor.

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